ABSTRACT
In the early seventies, in Guatemala, Hildebrand developed the Sondeo approach, which entails a creative combination of disciplines to conduct rapid appraisals for generating new technology. Farming systems research approach is considered a problem-oriented approach to agricultural research that begins by diagnosing the conditions, practices, and problems of particular groups of farmers. International Centre for Research in Agroforestry's diagnosis and design methodology also seeks to address a broader range of production and conservation objectives than most farming systems research methods, emphasizing productivity, sustainability, and adaptability. The generation of technologies adapted to small farmers' needs must emerge from integrated studies of the natural and socioeconomic circumstances that influence their farming systems and dominate their responses to alternative technologies. The advent of Rapid Rural Appraisal has greatly enriched the availability of methods of analysis for rural development.
